Wellness Programs Are Crucial To The Workplace

A healthy workforce has become a top priority for many companies in the past few years. Now, neutral-toned cubicles have been ditched for workspaces that allow employees more creativity and agility.

Not only is this transformation of the office more aesthetically pleasing, research has found design to have a direct impact on employees’ mental health and productivity levels.

This has led companies to reevaluate their wellness strategies to ensure the wellbeing of their employees. 

While amenities and well-designed workstations are important factors when creating a fully-engaged workforce, offering flexibility is also essential. In fact, Capital One’s annual Work Environment Survey found that 83% of employees said it is important to have physical spaces and programs that nurture mental health, while 85% said wellness benefits were vital when looking for a new job.

Having these policies isn’t just beneficial for employees — businesses who successfully value their workers’ mental health typically see increased productivity and better output.

However, wellness programs are not all built the same. While some organizations outsource their benefits from other providers, Stefanie Spurlin, vice president of Workplace Solutions at Capital One, believes that companies need to emphasize the importance of building well-thought-out strategies that focus on culture.

“It’s really about focusing on your company’s culture and the holistic employee experience, considering things like employees’ wants and needs, the physical space, and amenities,” said Spurlin. “What are the benefits that will enrich employees’ lives, acknowledging their roles as both workers and people?”